Spectacular venue, great show, quality visitors, good business opportunities - these are just a few of the buzz words from exhibitors at the Securex Exhibition held recently at Sandton Convention Centre.
Over 4300 visitors attended Securex over the three day period of the show. Of these, 133 were foreign visitors hailing from 33 different countries. "As the premier Security, Protection & Safety Exhibition, Securex saw a higher calibre of exhibitor present at the show this year as well as an increase in quality visitors which we were extremely pleased about," says Jacqui Eggart, project manager, Reed Exhibitions.
"We had a constant flow of visitors which improved in quality this year," confirms Neill Williams of the HID Corporation.
First-time exhibitor Technivision echoes the positive attributes of the show by highlighting that they received 85 good sales leads just on the first day of the show. "Securex has exceeded all our expectations in terms of quality visitors, superb venue and overall outstanding organisation. After attending the IFSEC show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, I can honestly say that Securex is comparable in terms of quality standards and expertise," says John Davidson.
Another first time exhibitor, NAC Systems, explains that they were hesitant to exhibit at Securex and almost pulled out of the show but were extremely glad they did not. "Our company started operating nine months ago and Securex was the ideal platform to launch one of our products from.
"Overall the show was brilliant for us in terms of a great venue, professional organisation and valuable leads. We are definitely on for next year with a bigger stand," says an elated Nick Pretorious.
Exhibitors also seemed particularly impressed that parking for both exhibitors and visitors was paid for by the organisers - a coup for Reed Exhibitions, considering no other organiser has managed to do so to date. "The parking is much more accessible, secure and convenient and exhibiting in an airconditioned venue such as the Sandton Convention Centre is definitely a plus," says Berenice Giovannoni of Netstar.
Securex was the first of Reed Exhibitions' shows to have been hosted at Sandton Convention Centre following the conclusion of their strategic alliance with the Centre and Southern Sun hotels last year. "The success of the show has been a result, among other things, of the alliance both with Sandton Convention Centre and Southern Sun which have brought enormous benefits for our exhibitors and visitors," says Lynn Chamier, general manager of Reed Exhibitions.
"We have been on the show for six years and this year was definitely a highlight in terms of the new venue which is conveniently located in close proximity to facilities such as hotels. That is a perk especially for us foreign exhibitors," enthuses Peter Nicholls of the British Security Industry Association.
Exhibitors this year definitely pulled out all the stops with their stand designs, which were of a high standard. To acknowledge their efforts, appointed judges underwent a rigorous judging process to select the best stands in various categories. The following exhibitors were awarded the best stand awards:
Summing up, Darren Smith, managing editor of Hi-Tech Security Solutions, says, "The decision to move Securex to Sandton Convention Centre was a good one as it brought about positive change and good sentiment amongst exhibitors and visitors. Not only was the venue great in terms of facilities such as parking and access to a choice of restaurants and food outlets but it also attracted quality visitors to the show. Securex has delivered on its promise to be the professional shop window for the industry."
"Securex 2004 is already a third booked which is indicative of the success of the show and the value it brings to our exhibitors," concludes Eggart.
For more information contact Jacqui Eggart, Reed Exhibitions SA, 011 886 3734.
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